The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) is accused of firing employees by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).
The union said it would call a national strike immediately if its demands were ignored, according to a statement signed by its Secretary General, Nuhu Toro.
The dismissal action was described as “a direct assault on Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution,” according to PENGASSAN and TUC.
He claimed that Nigeria’s obligations under ILO conventions were also violated by the sackings.
In a statement released on Saturday, Toro declared, “We stand in full solidarity with the affected workers and with PENGASSAN.”
The TUC demanded that all employees who had been fired be immediately and unconditionally reinstated.
Additionally, it expressed concern about future victimization and demanded a public apology from the refinery’s management.
Toro urged stakeholders, the ILO, and the Ministry of Labour to launch an independent investigation.
He warned that potential national industrial action had been raised for all affiliates.
He said that no company, regardless of size, can violate workers’ rights.
PENGASSAN Orders a Nationwide Shutdown
PENGASSAN accused Dangote Refinery of unfair treatment of Nigerian workers and anti-labour practices.
The refinery was accused of “unjustly terminating over 800 Nigerian workers” by the association. They claimed that the company replaced them with “more than 2, 000 Indians,” raising questions about labor rights and the law’s application.
PENGASSAN mandated a total shutdown, which furthered the conflict.  ,
The organization described the move as “an affront to all Nigerian workers,” according to a statement released by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa.
Read more about Dangote Refinery’s plan to shut down its crude supply in “Brazen Display Of Lawlessness.”
Instead of engaging in constructive dialogue with the union, the refinery chose “misinformation and propaganda.”
Members of PENGASSAN were instructed to immediately stop the refinery’s gas and crude supply.
According to the circular, “every control room, panel, and outfield operation must end immediately.”
Additionally, the directive mandated branch chairmen to stop vessel loading and shut down the supply valves for crude oil.
Members in field settings were instructed to end services and practice 24-hour prayers starting on Sunday. The union forewarned that the strike would continue until the fired workers were reinstated.
“All PENGASSAN employees, employees, and institutions must end their employment on Monday. One person’s injury is the same as one’s. No one is more powerful than our nation, the statement said.
Dangote Refinery Reacts to Retardance
However, Refinery’s Dangote  stated that the recent restructuring, which resulted in staff dismissals, was necessary “to prevent sabotage and ensure safety.”
The decision, according to the company, was intended to protect operations and “improve efficiency across refinery units.”
More than 3, 000 Nigerians are still employed, despite the fact that only a select few of them were affected.
Dangote pledged to continue hiring local talent while promoting the rights of workers’ freedom to choose whether or not to join a union.
The refinery criticized the decision as a “brazen display of lawlessness and criminality” in response to PENGASSAN’s directive as well.
No law allows PENGASSAN to stop receiving crude oil and gas, according to the business.
It emphasized that supply agreements must not be stymied and were signed with vendors, not the union.
The refinery continued, “This directive is criminal conduct and a path to chaos and anarchy.”
The organization charged the union with sabotage of the Nigerian government and its citizens. It warned that a shortage of supplies would cause cooking gas, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and aviation fuel.
Every Nigerian, rich or poor, needs these products, according to the refinery’s statement.
Additionally, it claimed that the strike might lead to lower refinery revenue.
According to the management, “Dangote Refinery contributes one of the most to state and national revenues.”
It demanded that the Federal Government step in and stop what it termed “reckless and irresponsible conduct.”
Dangote Refinery has previously engaged in labor union fighting.
Source: Channels TV
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